We were on a mission; celebrating birthdays left us no choice, but to book a seven-day cruise over the Fourth of July weekend on one of the largest cruise ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. While larger ships are known to cater to families and children, with a little research and planning, we were able to turn our trip into an enjoyable, adults only vacation.

Rather than fly to our cruise ship departure location, we decide to choose a ship leaving out of Galveston, Texas and drive there. Since we always fly one day ahead to avoid unforeseen mishaps, we also plan to drive ahead of time.

Rather than stay in Galveston, which is quite pricy, we opt for an overnight stop in Sugar Land, Texas, with its lovely Marriott Hotel located in the town’s Market Square amid shops and restaurants. Sugar Land was named for housing the headquarters of the Imperial Sugar Company for two centuries, which was the major U.S. sugar producer at the time.

We reserve and pre-pay for an indoor parking spot at the pier in Galveston. From there, it’s smooth sailing, as the shuttle takes us to the terminal and we are right on schedule for our timed entry on to the ship.

Making our way through a sea of people as we enter on to Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, we are greeted by rock music and blinking lights. This ship is a floating city and we are feeling a bit intimidated by its sheer size, but are reassured to find out the Allure has won awards for best large cruise ship, best entertainment and best individual ship.

Thank goodness for the friendly staff, decked out in cowboy hats, waiting to attend to our every need. With iPads in hand and with no waiting on line, they quickly secure us reservations at the complimentary shows and a time for dinner in the dining room each evening. Pointing us in the direction of our cabin we, along with the other 5491 passengers (almost double the usual capacity), set out for parts unknown.

                                                                                                                                 Central Park

Our steward welcomes us warmly and after a few minutes of unpacking, we can’t wait to head out and explore. Should we play mini golf, ice skate, climb the rock wall, go zip lining or try out the FlowRider, a 40-foot long surf simulator? We’ll need to visit the Boardwalk and ride the carousel later, but for now, we opt for a stroll through the weaving paths of Central Park, impressed with the real plants and nature sounds piped into the outdoor area and stop at the Rising Tide bar (one of 13 bars on the ship), eager to ride up and down three decks as we enjoy cocktails.

                                                         The Champagne Bar

Rather than the outdoor bars, more conducive to family gatherings, we find that many of the other choices provide a nice start to our evening. We decide the Champagne and Schooner Bars are our favorites. After dinner, its dancing to live music at Boleros or Dazzles.

It’s always a good idea to make a dinner reservation in the main dining room. We are pleased with our table location for the week and the adult occupied tables all-around us. Our wait staff is delightful; professional and so personable, even though in subsequent conversations they share that they all have signed a six to eight month contract and work seven days a week.

                                                                                                                         The Main Dining Room

It amazes us that each evening, each course is beautifully presented, delicious and served at just the right temperature, meaning soups are actually served hot! Even though there are a total of 19 restaurants on board, we choose not to reserve any premium priced options and concur we enjoy the dining rooms over the fast food/buffet options for breakfast and lunch.

We agree the complimentary shows are some of the best we’ve enjoyed on any cruise we’ve sailed on. Momma Mia, a two-and a half-hour production, rivals any Broadway show. The choreography and acrobatics enhanced by the theatrical technology gives Blue Planet an ethereal quality. Blades features professional ice skating and acrobatics combined with amazing stunts and dazzling costumes. We are at the edge of our seats at the open air AquaTheater watching OceanAria, as award winning divers and acrobats go from high diving to trampolining on surfaces that change before your eyes. The comedy performers round out the entertainment and between all that is offered, we are spoiled with a show a night.

Since we’d already been to our ship’s ports, Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, we set out to see the towns in the morning, then head back to the ship to enjoy its solitude. We have the gym and walking track to ourselves. We relax over quiet lunches and take advantage of the complimentary services offered at the spa, with no waiting in line. Though we still prefer the adult only deck, we are able to choose our favorite chair at any of the pools.

After only a few days, even I, known to be directionally challenged, can maneuver all over the gigantic ship. And just when it’s all starting to feel like home, we’re heading back, but I do so with a smile on my face. Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas has demonstrated an impressive model of community, with its 2384 staff members from 70 different countries working together to bring the best experience to its guests.

                                                                                                Room birthday decorations, compliments of my mom’s steward.

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